The 15 Best Spots to Watch the Eclipse in Iceland in 2026

1. Reykjavik: Hallgrímskirkja

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is one of the easiest places to see the 2026 solar eclipse. Hallgrímskirkja, the big church that stands out in the city, gives you a great view. You can take the elevator to the top to see all of Reykjavik and the area around it. From up there, you'll be able to see the eclipse happen over the city and the mountains far away. Being in the middle of the city, you'll also be close to cafes, restaurants, and other places to make your visit comfortable.

But Reykjavik isn't just easy to get to. The city has a lot going on, and you might find local events planned for the eclipse. Think about watching the sky go dark with Icelandic music playing or joining a group of locals and visitors at the church steps. Reykjavik's mix of city life and natural beauty makes it a special place to see this rare event.

2. Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, about an hour from Reykjavik, is a beautiful place full of history, making it a special spot to watch the eclipse. It's where two big pieces of the Earth's crust meet, making a stunning valley. The open spaces and clear skies here are great for seeing the eclipse. You can set up in one of the many pretty areas, by the cliffs or near the park's lakes, to watch the moon slowly cover the sun.

What makes Thingvellir even more interesting is its importance to Iceland's history. This is where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, started over a thousand years ago. As you watch the eclipse, you'll be standing in a place where some of Iceland's biggest events happened. After the eclipse, you can walk on the park's trails, see the Silfra fissure, where you can swim between two continents, or just enjoy the beautiful landscapes shaped by nature and history.

3. Akureyri

Akureyri, often called the "Capital of the North," is one of the best places in Iceland to watch the eclipse, partly because the eclipse will last a bit longer here. This pretty town, at the bottom of a fjord and with snowy mountains around it, has lots of nice spots to set up for the event. You can walk up to one of the nearby hills for a better view of the fjord and the eclipse, or stay in town and watch from one of the public parks.

Akureyri usually has clear skies in August, so you have a good chance of seeing the eclipse well. But there's more to do here than just watch the eclipse. The town is full of character, with colorful buildings, gardens with lots of plants, and many art things to see. After the eclipse, you can visit the local museums, eat at one of the cozy cafes, or take a boat ride to see the nearby Eyjafjörður fjord.

4. Vík í Mýrdal

Vík í Mýrdal is a small village on Iceland's south coast, known for its black sand beaches and big rocks in the sea. Watching the eclipse from Reynisfjara Beach, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the tall rock columns, will be something you'll always remember. The difference between the dark sky and the black sand under your feet will make it feel almost unreal. Vík is far from big cities, so there won't be many people, and you can enjoy the eclipse in peace.

Besides the eclipse, Vík has some of Iceland's most unique landscapes. After the event, you can look at the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks or walk up to the Dyrhólaey Hill for a view of the whole coast. Vík is also a great place to see birds, including puffins. The village has a few nice places to stay and eat, making it a good place to stay while you explore the south coast before and after the eclipse.

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5. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most photographed places in Iceland, and it's easy to see why. The lagoon is full of big pieces of ice that have broken off from a nearby glacier, making a beautiful icy landscape. Watching the eclipse here, with the sun going behind the ice and the glacier, will feel like something from a dream. The still water of the lagoon will show the changing sky, making it even more amazing.

This spot is also great for taking photos. The mix of the glacier, the floating ice, and the eclipse will make for some unforgettable pictures. After the eclipse, you can take a boat ride on the lagoon to get close to the ice or walk along the shore to see where the lagoon meets the ocean. The nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice wash up on the black sand, is another must-see spot that will make your visit to Jökulsárlón even more special.

6. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull National Park, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, has one of Iceland's most famous landmarks—the Snæfellsjökull volcano. This volcano, covered in ice, is in a famous book as the way to the center of the Earth, which makes it a cool place to watch the eclipse. The park has many good spots to watch from, whether you want to be by the sea or walk up closer to the glacier.

The park has many different kinds of landscapes, with fields of old lava, cliffs, and sandy beaches all close by. Watching the eclipse here, with the volcano behind you, will feel very special and exciting. After the eclipse, you can walk on the park's many trails, see the black church at Búðir, or just enjoy the beauty of this unique part of Iceland. Snæfellsjökull National Park shows off nature's power, making it an unforgettable place to see the eclipse.

7. Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar, in the middle of Iceland, is great for people who love adventure. It's known for its colorful mountains, hot springs, and rough land. It looks different from anywhere else in Iceland. Watching the eclipse here is special because you're surrounded by bright-colored hills and hot water coming from the ground. You need a strong car to get to Landmannalaugar, but it's worth it to see the eclipse in such an amazing place.

After the eclipse, you can relax in one of Landmannalaugar's natural hot springs. It's a perfect way to rest after a day of exploring. The area also has many hiking trails, including the famous Laugavegur Trail, which takes you through some of Iceland's most varied landscapes. Whether you like to hike a lot or just want a unique place to watch the eclipse, Landmannalaugar gives you adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty all in one place.

8. The Westfjords: Látrabjarg Cliffs

Látrabjarg Cliffs, in the far-away Westfjords, are some of the biggest bird cliffs in Europe and a must-see for nature lovers. The cliffs are over 1,400 feet (425 meters) high above the ocean and are home to millions of seabirds, like puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Watching the eclipse from these cliffs, with the sound of the sea below and birds flying around, will feel very special. Here, you can feel close to nature while seeing a rare sky event.

The Westfjords don't get as many visitors as other parts of Iceland, so you might have the cliffs almost to yourself. Being so far away adds to the feeling of adventure, and the views from the cliffs are amazing, even without the eclipse. After the eclipse, you can look around the area, visit nearby beaches, or just sit and enjoy the quiet of being in one of Iceland's most remote places.

9. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, at the very top of the Westfjords, is one of the most untouched areas in Iceland. It's a place where nature is in charge, with no roads, no towns, and very few visitors. Watching the eclipse here is unlike anywhere else—it's completely quiet, with unspoiled wilderness and the sky getting dark over land that hasn't changed in hundreds of years. If you want to be alone and feel close to nature, Hornstrandir is the place to go.

Getting to Hornstrandir takes some work. You need to take a boat from Ísafjörður and then walk to where you want to go, but the trip there is part of the fun. The reward is a truly special eclipse experience, far from crowds and noise. After the eclipse, you can walk along the rough coast, look for Arctic foxes in their natural home, or just enjoy the peace of being in one of Iceland's last truly wild areas.

10. Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a small piece of land that sticks out into the sea near Vík í Mýrdal. It's known for its high cliffs, lots of birds, and great views of the south coast. Watching the eclipse from Dyrhólaey gives you a beautiful view of the ocean, with a famous rock arch and black sand beaches stretching out below you. The cliffs are where many seabirds, including puffins, make their nests, so you'll have lots of company as you watch the sky go dark.

Dyrhólaey is easy to get to, making it a good choice if you want to see the eclipse in a beautiful place that's not hard to reach. After the eclipse, you can walk on the area's trails, look at the view from the lighthouse, or visit the nearby Reynisfjara Beach to see the tall rock columns. Dyrhólaey's mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and easy access makes it a top spot for seeing the 2026 solar eclipse.

11. Breiðafjörður

Breiðafjörður is a big bay with lots of small islands. It's a quiet and pretty place to watch the eclipse. You can choose to watch from one of the many islands or take a boat trip through the bay for a different view. The calm water and wildlife around you make it a peaceful place, perfect if you want to enjoy the eclipse without many people around.

Breiðafjörður also has a lot of history and culture. The area is known for its old fishing villages, which you can explore after the eclipse. Many birds live on the islands in the bay, adding more to see during your visit. Whether you watch from a boat or from the shore, Breiðafjörður gives you a quiet and pretty place to see the eclipse.

12. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

The Westman Islands, off the south coast of Iceland, are famous for their volcanic landscapes and many puffins. Watching the eclipse here lets you see both beautiful nature and lots of wildlife. Volcanoes made these islands, and you can see how they shaped the rough land. The main island, Heimaey, has about 4,000 people living on it and has everything you need for a comfortable stay during the eclipse.

Heimaey has several great spots to watch the eclipse, like from the volcanic hills, the cliffs looking out to sea, or even from the town itself. After the eclipse, you can learn about the island's unique rocks, visit the Eldheimar Museum to learn about a big volcanic eruption in 1973 or go on a boat trip to see puffins. The Westman Islands offer a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty that makes them a fantastic choice for eclipse watching.

13. Húsavík

Húsavík is often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland. It offers a unique way to see the eclipse. Imagine watching the sky go dark while you're on the calm waters of Skjálfandi Bay, with a chance of seeing whales jump out of the water in the distance. You can choose to watch from the shore or take a boat trip to feel even closer to the sea. The mix of sea life and the eclipse makes Húsavík a special place to be on August 12, 2026.

Besides the eclipse, Húsavík has a lot to offer. The town is pretty, with colorful houses, a nice harbor, and some interesting museums, including the Whale Museum and the Exploration Museum. After the eclipse, you can walk around the town, eat at one of the local restaurants, or relax in one of the warm baths in the area. Húsavík gives you a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and Icelandic culture, making it a great location for the eclipse.

14. Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir, in eastern Iceland, is a great spot for those who want to see the eclipse away from the busier tourist areas. This small town is the starting point for some of the most beautiful and untouched parts of Iceland, including the Hallormsstaður Forest and the calm Lagarfljót lake. Watching the eclipse from here gives you a peaceful and pretty experience with fewer people around.

Egilsstaðir is also a good place to start exploring the Eastfjords, with their rocky coast, pretty fishing villages, and beautiful mountain views. After the eclipse, you can drive through the fjords, visit the Hengifoss waterfall, or explore the charming towns in the area. The slower pace of life in this part of Iceland, along with its natural beauty, makes Egilsstaðir a great choice for a more relaxed eclipse experience.

15. Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn is known for its many birds and stunning volcanic landscapes, making it a fantastic spot to watch the eclipse. The area around the lake has a lot of hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and unique lava shapes. Watching the eclipse here, with the dark sky reflected in the lake, is a truly special experience.

Lake Mývatn is also great for birdwatchers. The wet areas around the lake are home to many kinds of birds, including ducks, geese, and wading birds, making it one of the best places in Iceland to see birds. After the eclipse, you can explore the area's many attractions, such as the Mývatn Nature Baths, the Hverir hot spring area, or the Dimmuborgir lava fields. Lake Mývatn offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and interesting rock formations, making it a top spot for seeing the 2026 solar eclipse.

Conclusion

The 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland is a rare event that will be amazing to see. With so many great spots to choose from, like the wild Westfjords, the magical landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park, or the calm waters of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, there's a perfect place for everyone to see this sky show. Start planning now to get your spot, and get ready to see one of nature's most wow-worthy events in one of the world's most beautiful countries.

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